Argentina vs France

With Lionel Messi on the precipice of immortality, Argentina will be going all-out in the World Cup final against a France side potentially facing some key ...

The Saudis showed what can happen on the break, and we all know what Mbappe can do in the open field. All that said, both nations have seen four of their six matches, respectively, in this tournament end with at least three goals, and they’ve each been individually held to fewer than two goals just once each. Hernandez is also dealing with a bit of a knee issue, and his brother Lucas is already out for the tournament. In addition, France have reached the final despite having a lower xG than their opponents in both the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals. Either one causes issues for France, and gives Argentina a terrific advantage in attack. Martinez and Lloris have been outstanding in this tournament, each making critical saves that won matches for their sides. France has also won nine of their last 10 matches over the past two World Cups. For France, they’re hoping to be the first nation to lift the trophy in consecutive tournaments for the first time in decades. Tactically, Messi is in fine form, and he’s going to be perfectly set up to exploit the weakness that France’s last three opponents have attacked: the space behind Mbappe. Whether it’s Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel starting for Argentina at right back, neither will be on par with what England and Morocco threw at Mbappe to somewhat stifle his attacks. But when it’s all over, Messi will raise the trophy and take his place alongside Diego Maradona as a national hero and one of the greatest players of all time. Who will have what it takes to reach the summit and lift the trophy?

SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green locked in his 2022 World Cup final picks and predictions for France vs. Argentina featuring Kylian Mbappe and Lionel ...

- Argentina vs. [Visit SportsLine now to find out which wagers in Argentina vs. Argentina in the World Cup final? And where does all the betting value lie? Green has broken down the 2022 World Cup final. In addition, Argentina face a French defense that has been vulnerable in Qatar. The defense also looked very shaky in the 2-1 quarterfinal win against England. The 90-minute money line lists Argentina at +160, France at +185 and a draw at +205. [You can head to SportsLine now to see Green's picks](https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/2022-world-cup-final-france-vs-argentina-odds-picks-predictions-best-bets-for-sundays-showdown-from-proven-soccer-expert/#ttag=12152022_agg_cbssports_picks_soccer_worldcup_martingreen_ArgentinaFranceWorldCupfinalexpert). [2022 World Cup picks](https://www.sportsline.com/fifa-wc/picks/) and predictions. After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Argentina are the -125 favorites (risk $125 to win $100) to lift the trophy in the latest Argentina vs.

ARGENTINA take on France in a HUGE World Cup final on Sunday afternoon.Croatia fell victim to a Lionel Messi masterclass in Tuesday's dominant semi-fi.

[high-flying Morocco](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/6887280/france-morocco-live-stream-free-score-tv-channel-time-watch-world-cup-online/) in their semi-final. [Argentina's](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/football/team/12636/argentina/)eye-catching World Cup final contest against [France](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/football/team/34011/france/)will take place on Sunday, December 18. [Betfair](https://www.betfair.com/sport/football/fifa-world-cup/12469077) correct as of December 16. [Messi and Kylian Mbappe are the two main men](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/6919182/messi-mbappe-world-cup-stats-final-france-argentina/) for their respective nations - and all eyes will be on who comes out on top. - The World Cup final between Argentina and France will be shown LIVE on both BBC One and ITV 1. [Karim Benzema could be a shock inclusion](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/6914622/karim-benzema-play-world-cup-final-france/) on the bench as he is back in Real Madrid training. [Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot sat out](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/6921673/france-virus-world-cup-final-lockdown/) of the Morocco win with illness as France kept their first clean sheet - but will be hopeful of coming back in. [France](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/football/team/34011/france/) also won two and lost one of their group games - although their defeat to Tunisia came after beating Australia and Denmark. [Argentina](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/football/team/12636/argentina/) suffered a nightmare start to their tournament with a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. [Messi](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/6921500/messi-france-hernandez-world-cup-argentina/) has created a thrilling final chapter to his World Cup career and the magician will arguably go down as the [greatest footballer EVER](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/6910022/lionel-messi-records-argentina-croatia-world-cup/) should he replicate what Diego Maradona did in 1986. [may well be unchanged after semi-final wins](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/6922000/argentina-and-france-world-cup-final/). [Lionel Messi masterclass](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/6883307/argentina-croatia-live-result-score-lionel-messi-world-cup-reaction/) in Tuesday's dominant semi-final encounter as Argentina went through.

How to watch Argentina vs France World Cup final game, including kick-off time & team news.

Allegedly falling ill due to the constant air conditioning at the stadiums in Qatar, Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot had missed the semi-final against Morocco while Aurelien Tchouameni and Theo Hernandez missed training on Friday. Viewers in the U.S. New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser. In the United States (U.S.), the game can be watched live and on-demand with [Lionel Messi](https://www.goal.com/en/player/lionel-messi/c5ryhn04g9goikd0blmh83aol)'s [Argentina](https://www.goal.com/en/team/argentina/ak48fkypnql8y4n69cvcq5ghc) challenge reigning champions [France](https://www.goal.com/en/team/france/4pz87gsel7183b7kcadw1dwzv) to the [2022 World Cup](https://www.goal.com/en/world-cup/70excpe1synn9kadnbppahdn7) title in the final to be played at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday. GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the U.S., UK, Africa and India, as well as how to stream live online.

It's Lionel Messi vs. Kylian Mbappé, as Argentina tries to dethrone the reigning champions and win its first World Cup since Diego Maradona's heyday in ...

[Antoine Griezmann](https://www.transfermarkt.us/antoine-griezmann/profil/spieler/125781) and [Olivier Giroud](https://www.transfermarkt.us/olivier-giroud/profil/spieler/82442) to the youthful brilliance of Mbappé and [Aurélien Tchouaméni](https://www.transfermarkt.us/aurelien-tchouameni/profil/spieler/413112). [Raphaël Varane](https://www.transfermarkt.us/raphael-varane/profil/spieler/164770). Reserve centerback [Ibrahima Konaté](https://www.transfermarkt.us/ibrahima-konate/profil/spieler/357119) also has been under the weather. [Peacock](https://www.peacocktv.com/) is NBC and Telemundo’s subscription streaming service. Fellow centerback [Dayot Upamecano](https://www.transfermarkt.us/dayot-upamecano/profil/spieler/344695) and midfielders [Adrien Rabiot](https://www.transfermarkt.us/adrien-rabiot/profil/spieler/182913) and [Kingsley Coman](https://www.transfermarkt.us/kingsley-coman/profil/spieler/243714) missed the semifinal win over Morocco [because they were sick](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/16/varane-konate-and-coman-train-apart-virus-france-world-cup-final). Morocco’s [Jawad El Yamiq](https://www.transfermarkt.us/jawad-el-yamiq/profil/spieler/235412) put a bicycle kick off the post in the semis just before halftime, with France leading, 1-0. [SiriusXM’s subscription service](https://player.siriusxm.com/) has an audio simulcast of Fox’s TV broadcasts on Fox Sports Channel 83. [Karim Benzema tore a thigh muscle](https://www.espn.com/soccer/france-fra/story/4806724/world-cup-france-karim-benzema-suffers-injury-in-training) in practice. In the semis, Argentina was liberated, with Messi and young phenom [Julián Álvarez](https://www.transfermarkt.us/julian-alvarez/profil/spieler/576024) dazzling the world. [N’Golo Kanté, Paul Pogba, Presnel Kimpembe, and Christopher Nkunku](https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/soccer/news/france-injuries-world-cup-2022-players-missing/iksf7wljnvms9gc2tgseknji). They’re two of the many superstars who’ve turned the French capital’s biggest team into [a global power](https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/2022/12/16/messi-vs-mbappe-is-world-cup-final-qatar-cant-lose/). At every turn of this World Cup, the Albiceleste faithful have showed up in droves to roar on their team.

Two big guns face off in the World Cup final where France are looking for their second straight title as they face Argentina.Here are some quick facts.

[bet365](https://talksport.gigmedia.com/goto/bet365). It is always good to look at current form and past results but just because France beat Argentina in the last World Cup don’t let that match dictate how you wager on this finale. For [in-play betting](https://talksport.com/betting/1269816/best-live-betting-sites/) the more info the better and William Hill has you covered in that aspect. [William Hill](https://talksport.gigmedia.com/goto/williamhill) has a 3D layout of the match with no lack of great stats. It is very costly for sportsbooks in the UK to give their punters a live video stream for World Cup matches. The team has been burned on the counter and that is a big worry for them coming into this match. He has scored a goal in each of the three knockout stage matches and has an assist in the last two matches. They have a Bet Builder promo that has been available the whole World Cup tournament and you can take advantage of it for the finals, as well as for the third place match on Saturday. [check out bet365](https://talksport.gigmedia.com/goto/bet365). They need to press for the ball more facing Les Bleus, who have a much better offence than Croatia. You can sign up with them and get a great welcome bonus and they have many markets for the finals including Asian lines. [William Hill](https://talksport.gigmedia.com/goto/williamhill) [William Hill](https://talksport.gigmedia.com/goto/williamhill) is offering punters both featured bets and boosted odds.

Argentina and France meet on Sunday for the FIFA 2022 World Cup final with Lionel Messi facing off against Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe.

We are trying to make the best of the situation we are in, quite simply. This one is going to be tight and almost too close to call. Despite the overriding narrative suggesting that Messi's success is meant to be, the pragmatic French approach could steal his thunder and instead leave Mbappe celebrating. The virus, we are never prepared for this kind of thing. Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud should continue in attack aided by the in-form Antoine Griezmann and Saturday will be crucial in determining eligibility so Deschamps will be hoping that no new cases surface so close to the game. "From the moment we have the support of our supporters, we know that the country is behind us," he added. Be ready to surpass ourselves, to make the effort despite the circumstances with the virus, despite the fatigue. "They play very well in offensive transitions, taking advantage of the mistakes of the opponent. Kingsley Coman, Raphael Varane, and Ibrahima Konate have all suffered the sickness since the win over the Atlas Lions and although Rabiot and Upamecano should now be fine, Varane and Konate would be problematic as it would require a new central defensive pairing. There will be a lot of expectation in relation to this final on the Argentinian side. Argentina: Marco Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel no longer have suspension worries hanging over them although Nahuel Molina is likely to start ahead of Montiel on the right while Acuna might replace Nicolas Tagliafico on the left. "But to be honest, I am focused on the present.

It's time to set those alarms because the 2022 FIFA World Cup final is nearly here. After 63 dramatic matches in Qatar, the decisive match will see France ...

[Highlights](https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/watch/7n7mj8rajrqZCKJ5glvYY) [Argentina 3 Croatia 0](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/argentina-vs-croatia-world-cup-live-score-result/dmrn3bssfgaowohfrpyghlxn) [Highlights](https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022/qatar-highlights) [Highlights](https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/watch/43Do27Etp3IapH0xwzbXOg) [Argentina 2 Mexico 0](https://www.sportingnews.com/in/soccer/news/argentina-vs-mexico-world-cup-live-score-result/mjquo0zluvowqxtbngp3tzmi) [Highlights](https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/watch/2v4Kywu376wjM1NWZssi92) [Poland 0 Argentina 2](https://www.sportingnews.com/au/soccer/news/argentina-vs-poland-world-cup-live-score-result/hectpcg4fozsd7bjg3inr7xm) [Highlights](https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/cat/17boYmDl4aQhogvFXSovp5) [Argentina 2 Australia 1](https://sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/argentina-vs-australia-world-cup-live-score-result/ygak6pvg4iunog82ucz644hr) [Highlights](https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/watch/5hQ8DJM14tBciQZrOqq1hR) [Argentina 2 Netherlands 2](https://sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/argentina-vs-netherlands-world-cup-live-score-result/gc6sdoevakbhmbjgpxknqjgs) (4-3 penalties, aet) Date (Local) [Who is Szymon Marciniak, referee assigned to Argentina vs France World Cup final?](https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/soccer/news/szymon-marciniak-referee-world-cup-final-argentina-france/wb5fq7er3aiuf48nfxbez7vj) [Argentina vs France prediction, odds and betting tips](https://www.sportingnews.com/au/soccer/news/world-cup-final-prediction-argentina-france-odds-betting-tips/e0t2ow5vdyppn1hbtoglhtq9)

One game is all that remains as Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni look to lead Argentina to a World Cup title when they face France on Sunday in the final.

With the team usually losing the ball in situations that allow for quick transitions, Lloris has to stay on his toes all game as one mistake could sink France. France: Didier Deschamps will know that Hernandez will be targeted during the match but that hasn't been an issue during the tournament so far with Hugo Lloris providing big saves in key moments. One game is all that remains as Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni look to lead Argentina to a World Cup title when they face France on Sunday in the final. With Theo Hernandez being an ultra-attacking left-back, the team will have chances to get forward if the midfield can help exploit that advantage. Julian Alvarez has been a reliable deputy atop the attack but Argentina are getting goals from wherever they need them on any given day. Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister have been able to fend off opponents and keep Argentina moving forward during the World Cup so far.

December 18 schedule: Argentina will take on defending champion France in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final at the Lusail stadium.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final will be telecasted live on Sports18 and Sports18 HD. In Scotland, the matches will be telecast on STV. - ⦿ Lionel Messi will overtake Lothar Matthäus (25) as the record appearance-maker in FIFA World Cup history if he plays in the final. The telecast will be available in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo. As a result, all matches of Qatar 2022 will be telecast live on BBC 1, ITV 1 and ITV 4. Scaloni will look at the workman-like tactical flexibility, emotional aggression of his team and the decisiveness of Messi’s moments of magic to win this ultimate game against France. Messi and Argentina, though, have found a tireless Julian Alvarez to do the running for the team’s luminous star, falling back to press whenever Argentina loses the ball. However, the three successes for Europe have come in the last five meetings. But, Molina, Argentina’s right-back, is a few steps slower and might find it difficult to match the success of the Moroccan icon. Morocco tried and mostly succeeded in negating his threat by using right-back Acharf Hakimi’s pace and dribbling skills to trouble Theo Hernandez and break the chain of connection between the left-back and Mbappe. His face adores most billboards and the neon buildings that light up the evening skies and every second person in the streets wears a Leo Messi jersey (mostly fake), while the rest rummage through the stores in Mushareib, Souk Waqif, Wakrah or Lusail to pick the last few available ahead of Argentina’s final against France. A World Cup trophy from Lusail to truly establish his supremacy.

With bookmakers almost unable to separate the 2022 FIFA World Cup finalists, the potential for the Qatar decider to become the third edition of the final to ...

100% (4) 100% (2) 100% (5) 66% (3) 75% (4) 50% (2)

Messi vs Mbappe – Who will lead their nation to victory: World Cup Final Ultimate Guide.

The French physios are apparently satisfied that Tchouameni will be ready in time. On Monday morning (2am AEDT), they face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a bid to become just the third team in Cup history to go back-to-back, and the first since Brazil in 1962. On that day, Mbappe announced himself on the world stage by instigating a remarkable 4-3 comeback in one of the most memorable and thrilling games of the tournament. Mbappe earned a penalty with a stunning 75-yard run early in the match, before scoring two goals in quick succession in the second half to send the Albiceleste packing. Argentina will go into the final with confidence. Both are in with a strong chance of winning the golden ball as well as player of the tournament. Excludes Extra Time and Penalty Shootout M’Gladbach), Randal Kolo Muani (Monaco) The golden boot race is level, with both players on five goals. Lloris (GK) — 5. Martinez (GK) — 26. Little did the two superstars know that they would become club teammates before Qatar.

The game is scheduled for 10 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday. Here's where to watch and what to watch for.

Argentina has won twice, in 1978 and 1986, and has been back to the finals twice since. Together they have nine of the team’s 12 goals at this World Cup. [lost there to the Netherlands](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/12/03/sports/usa-netherlands-world-cup-score). [lost to Croatia](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/12/09/sports/brazil-croatia-world-cup-score) in the quarterfinals. In the United States it will be broadcast on Fox in English and Telemundo in Spanish and streamed in Spanish on Peacock. He is 35, and France is the defending champion and also won the World Cup in 1998. He is ably supported by Julián Álvarez, a 22-year-old scorer who represents Argentina’s next generation. [Kylian Mbappé](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/06/sports/soccer/kylian-mbappe-champions-league-psg.html) (five goals). [France](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/12/14/sports/france-morocco-world-cup-score) and [Argentina](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/sports/soccer/messi-argentina-goals-assist-croatia.html) will face off at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar. [this is expected to be his last chance](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/08/sports/world-cup/messi-ronaldo-soccer.html). It can be streamed in English on an app like Hulu or Fubo that offers Fox.

Much more than a Messi vs Mbappe clash, the World Cup final will be a date with history for Argentina and France.

“Things always happen in a match for which you are not prepared,” said France captain Hugo Lloris, who is looking to become the first man to captain a team to the World Cup title twice. It’s a World Cup final after all, but our opponents are not in the stands.” But all five players will be available to head coach Didier Deschamps – one of only three men to have won the World Cup both as a player and a coach. “Already I had a great experience as a player, and now it’s my privilege to experience it as a coach. Leo [Messi] is doing well and let’s hope the match goes our way, but it’s a game between Argentina and France, and there are many players that can decide the game.” Mbappe, the prodigious talent who has scored only two fewer World Cup goals than Messi, but is aged just 23 and is poised to take the 35-year-old Argentinian’s mantle as the best player in the world.

World Cup news: Argentina take on France in the final in Qatar on Sunday as Lionel Messi bids for glory on the biggest stage going head to head with Kylian ...

The game will be held on Sunday, December 18 at 3pm UK time. You can also tune in TV coverage on ITV1 or stream the action via ITV X. Antoine Griezmann restored the lead just before half time, which is when Les Blues ran riot with a six-minute double salvo from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe. But that one final piece of the jigsaw is cruelly missing - and if his club teammate Mbappe steals that away from him, it could be the one title he never has in his collection. Two of the biggest giants go head-to-head in what will be a hotly contested clash. It's the one we've all been waiting for.

It's Messi against Mbappe as Argentina face France. One of Argentina or France will add a third star to their jerseys as the teams face off in the 2022 FIFA ...

FOX can be streamed live on The match is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Will Messi finally complete his enviable trophy case by leading Argentina to their first World Cup title since 1986? [All 8 World Cup stadiums](https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/soccer/what-stadiums-are-being-used-for-the-2022-world-cup-a-guide-to-the-eight-world-cup-stadiums-in-qatar/5usnb9zj48n61ozbsmi6g7zy7) He's looking to do so in back-to-back tournaments as he is quickly climbing into the same rarified air as his club teammate Messi. At 35 years old, this will most likely be the Argentina superstar's last chance to win football's biggest prize.

SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green locked in his 2022 World Cup final picks and predictions for France vs. Argentina featuring Kylian Mbappe and Lionel ...

- Argentina vs. [Visit SportsLine now to find out which wagers in Argentina vs. Argentina in the World Cup final? Green has broken down the 2022 World Cup final. The 21-year-old midfielder for Benfica has anchored the midfield for Argentina since the team's shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in group play. Argentina lead all teams in final third passes attempted (967) and completed (744). [2022 World Cup picks](https://www.sportsline.com/fifa-wc/picks/) and predictions. [You can head to SportsLine now to see Green's picks](https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/2022-world-cup-final-france-vs-argentina-odds-picks-predictions-best-bets-for-sundays-showdown-from-proven-soccer-expert/#ttag=12152022_agg_cbssports_picks_soccer_worldcup_martingreen_ArgentinaFranceWorldCupfinalexpert). On the 90-minute money line it's Argentina at +160, France at +185 and the draw at +205. After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Argentina are the -125 favorites (risk $125 to win $100) to lift the trophy in the latest Argentina vs. The only other country to lift the trophy in consecutive World Cups was Italy, in 1934 and '38.

Argentina vs France. FIFA World Cup Final. 3:00pm, Sunday 18th December 2022. Lusail Iconic Stadium.

Will Argentina's Lionel Messi fulfill his career-long quest and capture his first-ever World Cup trophy, ending his country's 36-year drought?

— [France](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/france-world-cup-squad-2022-players-national-team-roster-26/nfbg7da0l1vfjzanirpast4m) (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Midas.— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) Hernandez — 7. Lloris (GK) — 5. Acuna — 7. Martinez (GK) — 26. Rabiot — 11. The former scenario would seem to make the most sense given how focused Argentina must be in stopping France's two wide attackers (Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele). A repeat men's World Cup champion [hasn't happened since 1962](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/fifa-world-cup-winners-france-repeat-defend/gmzacbdj7puaktgg5dv9y3sj). Mac Allister — 9. [Argentina](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/argentina-world-cup-squad-2022-roster-players-national-team/xqgzvqoh9dyy6jzp11met0bg) (5-3-2, right to left): 23.

Both have won the World Cup twice, with France the defending champions after having last won in 2018, while Argentina's most recent title was in 1986. It is ...

All you need is to create an account with your email address if you don't have one already. Apparently it takes beating Australia to win the FIFA World Cup, as both Argentina and France have done so on their path to the 2022 World Cup final. How to watch Argentina vs France FIFA World Cup final live The last time these 2 teams met in a World Cup was in 2018, as France beat Argentina in the round of 16 on their way to winning the title. [watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar here](https://www.finder.com.au/watch-fifa-world-cup). There's no other way to watch the World Cup final other than on SBS. When is the kick-off for Argentina vs France in the FIFA World Cup final? How to watch 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar final Argentina vs France live and free You can watch Argentina vs France on free-to-air TV on SBS or stream the game on Argentina vs France in the 2022 World Cup final kicks off at 2am AEDT on Monday 19 December at Lusail Stadium, Qatar. Only 8 countries have ever won the FIFA World Cup and that will still be the case after the 2022 final between Argentina and France. It is France's fourth World Cup final appearance, while Argentina have now made it to the decider 6 times.

Despite a late injury scare Olivier Giroud is in the lineup for France and on the Argentina side, Angel Di Maria is passed fit to make the start for ...

"In fact, the latest news out of the French camp is that Olivier Giroud has a slight knee knock and might even be a doubt to start against Argentina. The France boss is already agonizing over whether to go with Ibrahima Konate or Dayot Upamecano in central defense." France did not remove Benzema from their squad list and he would be entitled to a medal if his country won but there appears little appetite from either the manager or player for an 11th hour appearance. We are trying to live with it, without going too far and getting too carried away, but doing what is necessary. The head coach, who is bidding to become just the second manager to win two World Cups, was taciturn over the status of his players in his Saturday press conference, saying: "I am absolutely fine. Varane and Konate had been among those to miss Friday's session with an illness that has ravaged the French camp, including winger Kingsley Coman, who has also took part in training, giving Deschamps the full compliment of 24 players he could have hoped to have.

Two teams remain in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Sunday's final features Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez leading Argentina against Olivier Giroud, ...

[Kylian Mbappe](/soccer/player/_/id/231388/Kylian-Mbappé) won a penalty for [Antoine Griezmann](/soccer/player/_/id/140416/Antoine-Griezmann) to score the opening goal, and later got two himself, but not before Angel Di Maria and Benjamin Pavard each scored one of the top goals of the tournament. Argentina won that first clash in Uruguay 1-0 en route to the final, before claiming a 2-1 win in 1978, which led to their first title. This is also a 20th World Cup final appearance for goalkeeper [Hugo Lloris](/soccer/player/_/id/43372/Hugo-Lloris), which is a record for his position. Before a ball has even been kicked in the final, Lionel Messi has set a FIFA record for the most all-time appearances in the men's tournament. After some minutes on the ground, Lloris is back on his feet and staying in the game. Moments later, Les Bleus answer with a spell of pressure and get a free kick in a dangerous spot to the left of goal. 10 becomes the first men's player to score in all four knockout rounds of the World Cup, having scored against Australia (round of 16), Netherlands (quarterfinal), Croatia (semifinal) and now France in the final. There's no do-overs in the World Cup final, and you've got to wait four years for a chance at redemption. Yet Upamecano comes up big again to get a touch on the shot and steer it wide of goal. And for once, in his 26th World Cup game and fifth appearance in the tournament -- as well as his second World Cup final appearance -- his teammates delivered. Yet Upamecano throws himself in front of the shot, blocking it to safety, and France survive to reset. This was likely his last chance at winning Argentina's first World Cup since 1986 -- and he delivered.

Will Argentina's Lionel Messi fulfill his career-long quest finally capture the World Cup, ending his country's 36-year drought? Or will France and ...

5hrs 30 mins from kickoff: As well as crowning the winners of Qatar 2022, FIFA will also give out several post-tournament awards today, including the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament and the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper. Nothing official on the reason why yet, but the Lyon player has been nursing a groin issue for the majority of the tournament. The last time they wore that in a final? He then ventures from it and takes a crack in the rib from Tottenham teammate Cristian Romero. Hugo Lloris gets there first, albeit with the help of a shove on Mac Allister by Dayot Upamecano that the referee chooses to ignore. To add insult to injury, the officials give a goal kick. 1:59 p.m ET/6:59 p.m GMT: Messi is still on the field, wearing a specially tailored Argentina shirt with three stars on it. German Pezzella, who came on just a few moments ago at centre-back to see out the win when that was on the cards for Argentina, is a big presence in there. 2:15 p.m ET/7:15 p.m GMT: A few of our colleagues are on the ground in Bueno Aires, as you've seen, and we'll hopefully have some more coverage from them coming up shortly. 3:04 p.m ET/8:04 p.m GMT: So, will that be the last we see of Lionel Messi in international football? I enjoy being in the national team and I want to live a few more games being a world champion.” Messi would not be denied, though — in part because of teammates like Emiliano Martinez, who refused to yield with it all on the line.